The Bluerydge Edge: Leading the Future of Cybersecurity

What Gives the Bluerydge Success Story an Edge in Cybersecurity?

From a Vision to a National Cybersecurity Force

Before cyber breaches made daily headlines, before major corporations like Optus and Medibank experienced large-scale attacks, three experienced Canberra-based cybersecurity professionals set out on their own to change the industry.

In 2019, Jim Boekel, Adam Haskard, and Thomas Kazan founded Bluerydge, bringing their extensive experience in Defence and government cybersecurity into a new, agile firm.

What started as three experts operating independently has since grown into a trusted national security partner. Bluerydge now has operations in all east coast capital cities, a team of 45 (and growing), and a reputation for delivering elite cybersecurity solutions.

Leadership That Leads from the Front

Despite Bluerydge’s rapid growth, the founders remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations, setting them apart from many corporate cybersecurity firms.

“We’re the founders and the directors, but we’re also practising cybersecurity and technology professionals,” says Jim Boekel.
“That gives us an edge because we’re leading from the front while staying collaborative. When our clients work with one of us, they get all of us.”

This hands-on approach ensures that Bluerydge is always at the cutting edge of cyber threats, risk management, and security innovations. Clients don’t just get advice—they get direct engagement with some of the most experienced cybersecurity professionals in the country.

A Growing Demand for Cyber Resilience

Initially focused on Federal Government and Defence contracts, Bluerydge expanded as cybersecurity threats became a growing concern across all industries.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital shift, exposing vulnerabilities in businesses that had never before prioritized cybersecurity. Bluerydge answered the call, offering its expertise to small, medium, and large businesses navigating an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.

“There was a dire need in the market for experienced cybersecurity professionals,” says Jim Boekel.
“Thanks to our background, we were ahead of the curve and ready to help businesses understand and mitigate cyber risks.”

Today, Bluerydge works with organisations across all sectors, providing tailored security solutions that harden infrastructure, reduce risk, and improve resilience.

End-to-End Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and Bluerydge provides a full spectrum of solutions to address both proactive and reactive security needs.

Some of Bluerydge’s core services include:

• Cybersecurity Maturity Assessments – Holistic evaluations to identify risks and improve security postures.
• Penetration Testing – Simulated cyberattacks to detect vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) – Ensuring organisations meet security standards and certifications.
• Incident Response – Rapid-response teams to contain, analyze, and mitigate cyber incidents.

These services empower organisations to not just react to threats—but to anticipate and prevent them.

Building the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Talent

Beyond serving clients, Bluerydge is committed to solving Australia’s cybersecurity skills gap. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply, leaving businesses and government agencies struggling to find qualified experts.

Bluerydge is actively training and developing the next generation of cyber professionals, creating career pathways that:

• Fund qualifications and certifications—up to Master’s level degrees.
• Provide structured career development programs for employees.
• Offer transition opportunities for veterans, former police officers, and professionals shifting to cybersecurity careers.

By taking a long-term investment approach in people, Bluerydge is both strengthening its own workforce and contributing to the national cybersecurity industry.

“We’re not just building a company—we’re helping build the future of cybersecurity in Australia,” Jim says.
“That means training talent, fostering a great workplace culture, and playing our part in strengthening the industry.”

A Commitment to Veterans and Service Professionals

Bluerydge’s commitment to supporting transitioning military personnel is deeply ingrained in its culture. With two founders being Defence veterans, the company understands the skills and challenges that come with transitioning to civilian careers.

This dedication was recognised in 2022, when Bluerydge won Outstanding Employer of the Year and Employer of the Year – Medium at the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards.

“We’re proud of the part we’re playing in helping veterans secure job stability and transition into meaningful careers,” says Jim.
“But we’ve expanded that mission beyond veterans—we’re also helping former police officers, first responders, and career changers enter cybersecurity and technology.”

By providing career pathways for these professionals, Bluerydge is directly contributing to Australia’s cybersecurity workforce and national security resilience.

The Road Ahead: Leading Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly, and Bluerydge is at the forefront of emerging technologies, including:

• AI-driven cybersecurity solutions that detect and mitigate threats faster.
• Secure robotics research that protects AI-powered systems from cyberattacks.
• Advanced cybersecurity strategies for cloud computing and critical infrastructure.

“We’re at a tipping point,” says Jim.
“The rise of AI, automation, and connected systems presents both incredible opportunities and massive security risks. We’re focused on ensuring organisations are prepared for what’s next.”

Why Bluerydge Stands Out

The Bluerydge success story is built on a combination of expertise, leadership, and a people-first approach. What sets the company apart?

✅ Leadership that works hands-on with clients.
✅ A team of experienced professionals with Defence, government, and private sector expertise.
✅ Comprehensive cybersecurity services tailored to real-world threats.
✅ A commitment to talent development and workforce expansion.
✅ Recognition as a leading employer for veterans and cybersecurity professionals.

Looking Ahead

The future of cybersecurity is one of constant evolution—and Bluerydge is ready for the challenge. Whether defending national security interests, securing private enterprises, or developing AI-driven solutions, Bluerydge is leading the charge in cybersecurity innovation.

For organisations looking for top-tier cybersecurity expertise, or for professionals interested in joining a team that is shaping the future of cybersecurity, Bluerydge is the name to know.